I was incredibly excited about this part of our holiday! Having sent so many clients on the Inside Passage cruise in Alaska, it was finally my turn to experience it firsthand.
After our self-drive family holiday through the Canadian Rockies, we decided Alaska was too close to miss. As loyal Royal Caribbean fans, we chose the Brilliance of the Seas, mainly for the convenient dates and its round-trip route from Vancouver.
We opted for the 11:30 am - 12:30 pm check-in slot. The boarding process was seamless, despite three other cruises boarding at the same time. The staff handled it efficiently, and within 20 minutes, we were on the ship. Our rooms were ready at 2 pm, which is standard, but since we had checked all our luggage, we weren't hindered. If you have a day bag or suitcase, there are plenty of places to sit and keep it with you. We headed straight to the Windjammer for lunch, as the kids were hungry after our early start from Kamloops. After exploring the ship and playing mini-golf, we checked into our room. Having a balcony was worth the extra cost, not just for the fresh air but for the stunning views, which paid off later in the cruise. We always make the most of the activities on board, so after dinner, we joined the welcome dance party.
Balcony views. All aboard in Vancouver
Day one was at sea, cruising up the Inside Passage. The balcony proved invaluable, providing a cozy spot to enjoy a hot drink and watch the islands and scenery go by. After our fast-paced Rockies adventure, we took it easy and skipped breakfast, heading to lunch at 11:30 am.
On day two, we docked in Sitka, Alaska. The weather gods smiled on us, as locals said it was the first sunny day in over two weeks. We took the free shuttle into town and explored the downtown area. The harbour was picturesque, with great photo opportunities. We used local transport to visit the Fortress of the Bear, costing us just $10 for a return ticket for all four of us, compared to $60 per person for a tour. The bus ran every 30 minutes, and the scenery was stunning. The fortress was amazing and a great way to see bears if you haven't had any luck elsewhere. The natural enclosures are large, providing excellent views from all angles. We did some shopping before heading back to the ship.
Day three saw us in Juneau, a city that did not disappoint. Downtown was filled with souvenir shops, but they were reasonably priced. The harbour was lovely, with totems scattered along the boardwalk. After much deliberation, I had booked a helicopter and dog sled tour a few months before the cruise, and it was worth every penny! We took a private helicopter up the picturesque mountains and landed on the Herbert Glacier. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, we joined 240 dogs, ready for some exercise. The kids were thrilled to hug the dogs, and we sledded for about 40 minutes before the helicopter returned to take us back. The views on the descent were even better, revealing the town and surrounding lakes and ocean.
 Up to the glaciers by helicopter for dogsledding |  Bucket list ticked ... and worth every penny! |
We took the shuttle back to the ship, where the kids went to the kids' club, and my husband and I joined a canoe tour to the Mendenhall Glacier and waterfall. This is the best way to see the glacier, as it has retreated so much that you can't see it from the visitor centre anymore. The canoe trip took an hour each way, passing through floating icebergs and offering surreal views of the glacier. After the tour, we visited the famous Red Dog Saloon and then returned to the ship for dinner.
These days the only way to get close to Mendenhall Glacier is by canoe
Day four was spent in Haines, where we rafted down the Chilkat River to spot bald eagles and bears. Despite the damp weather, the tour provided waterproof layers, keeping us dry. The rafting was leisurely, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the quiet surroundings. We saw four eagles but no bears. The family returned to the ship afterward, while I explored the village, rich with World War II history and old buildings. As we left the dock in the afternoon, we had amazing views of whales jumping offshore. We ended the day with dinner and a 70s-themed party.
The spectacular view leaving Haines
Day five was an early start as we sailed to the Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier. We spent about three hours there, with the ship rotating 360 degrees so everyone could enjoy the spectacular views. This is where the balcony was especially useful, providing a private, cozy spot to watch the scenery. We did venture up to the deck for a 360-degree view, but it was very cold, so we didn't stay long. My daughter, obsessed with Titanic, enjoyed cruising through the large icebergs, though we couldn't get right up to the glacier due to the ice.
Balcony views of Tracy Arm Fjord ... and why a balcony is worth it!
Everyone loves a spa when it's cold out!Day six was a relaxing day at sea, cruising back through the Inside Passage towards Vancouver. We enjoyed the hot tubs, archery, bingo, and various shows. The sight of other cruise ships returning to Vancouver was quite pretty at night from our balcony.
So, is a balcony worth the extra cost? Absolutely, especially if you're travelling off-peak. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, and even in July or August, it can be windy and chilly. On the Brilliance of the Seas, obstructed balcony options can save you money and are usually only partially blocked. Our balcony had a minor obstruction but did not hinder our view and saved us over $700 compared to a regular balcony room. Do your research (or discuss with your Travel Advisor who knows the ins and outs of various cabin categories) and check the percentage of obstruction before booking.
If you have any questions or would like to book your own Inside Passage Cruise in Alaska, feel free to reach out to me or check out my travel blogs about various destinations I specialise in.
